Zelenskyy on “сeasefire”: Ukraine will act reciprocally, Russian assaults continue

Date: 20 April 2025
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will act reciprocally in the matter of a ceasefire with Russia, but Russian assault operations and artillery fire continue in some areas of the front.

The Ukrainian President recalled that the United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire, and Ukraine, unlike Russia, supported this proposal.

“If Russia is now suddenly ready to genuinely join the format of complete and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act reciprocally, as it will be from the Russian side. Silence in response to silence, strikes in defense against strikes. If complete silence truly prevails, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond the Easter period’s end on April 20. This will show Russia’s true intentions, because 30 hours is enough for headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures. Thirty days could give peace a chance,” the Ukrainian President said.

According to the Commander-in-Chief’s report, Russian assault operations continue in some areas of the front, and Russian artillery does not cease.

“Therefore, there is no trust in Moscow’s words. We know too well how Moscow manipulates and is always ready for anything. The Defense Forces of Ukraine will act rationally, responding reciprocally. Every Russian strike will receive a sufficient response,” Zelenskyy stated.

Later on Easter night, following a report from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,  Oleksandr Syrskyy, Zelenskyy stated that the Russian “Easter ceasefire” does not extend to the Kursk and Belgorod regions of the Russian Federation, and shelling has not ceased in some other front-line areas.

“Report from the Commander-in-Chief. We are recording the real situation in all directions. Kurs’k and Belgorod Oblasts – Putin’s Easter statements did not extend to this territory. Combat operations continue, Russian strikes persist. In some front-line areas, Russian artillery continues to sound, not the promise of silence from the Russian leader. Russian drones are being used. In some areas, it is quieter,” the President of Ukraine pointed out.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s actions “are and will be reciprocal.” He added that he expects updated information from the front in reports at 00:00.

According to the DeepState monitoring project, the so-called “Easter ceasefire” promised by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin was practically unfelt in any direction by the military.

“Further description of the situation from 6 PM to 10 PM on April 19. Orikhiv, Kamyanske – artillery strikes, enemy drones are active. Burlatske – shelling continues. Andriivka and Oleksiivka – shelling. It has quieted down somewhat in the area of ​​Nadiivka and Kotlyarivka. Uspenivka – assault operations. South of Pokrovsk – mortar shelling of positions every 20-30 minutes. North of Toretsk – artillery and the southern flank – shelling. Kupyansk – shelling for now,” the statement reads.

Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational-Strategic Group of Forces, commented to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are not conducting offensive operations and are responding exclusively to attacks by the Russian army.

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